Can a Messy House Affect Your Health?

Guest Post by Melissa Howard, StopSuicide.info

There is increasing evidence to suggest that a messy house affects both mental and physical health. In fact, a messy home can make you more susceptible to colds and flus as well as stress and anxiety. While keeping on top of housekeeping can be time-consuming, the health benefits make the time commitment well worth it. The following article outlines how a dirty home may be affecting your body and your mind.

Excessive Allergens

If you are waking up with a stuffy nose or scratchy throat, your home may contain airborne allergens. If you have asthma, indoor allergens can be especially hazardous to your health. Common indoor allergens include dust mites, pet dander, and pollen. If you want to minimize indoor allergens, start by decluttering your home. Allergens settle on a variety of surfaces, including bed sheets, counters, sofas, and clothing. The fewer items you have lying around, the fewer surfaces there are for allergens to hide.

After decluttering, give your home a good wipe down. Ceilings, walls, lamps, banisters, and floors can all be resting places for allergens. As much as possible, try dusting and wiping surfaces using a wet cloth and multi-surface cleaner. Conventional dry dusters are highly inefficient when it comes to removing allergens.

Hidden Mold

Some of the most common symptoms of mold exposure include sore throat, coughing, headaches, and congestion. Prolonged exposure to mold can also weaken your immune system and even cause respiratory illnesses such as asthma. Certain molds contain mycotoxins, which have been linked to cancer as well as liver and kidney illnesses.

While it is virtually impossible to completely eliminate mold, there are steps you can take to help minimize it. Start by identifying any sources of dampness in your home — pipes, roofs, and basements are all common hiding places for mold. Next, work to repair the sources of the dampness. After that, clean any residual moisture with vinegar or borax. Mold also grows on food, so be sure to give your refrigerator a good cleaning. When cleaning mold (or any other toxin), remember to wear gloves and eye protection to minimize your exposure.

Dirty Bed Sheets

Fabrics are often overlooked during the cleaning process. That being said, fabric is often a source of allergens, bodily oils, and dead skin cells. Dirty sheets, in particular, can wreak havoc on your overall health. Bed sheets can be riddled with bacteria that can greatly contribute to a variety of skin conditions, including acne and eczema. Your sheets also absorb things like pollen, body lotion, makeup, and sweat. To minimize the allergens and toxins in your bed sheets, consider washing your bedding at least once per week.

Mental Health

While a clean house can contribute to your physical well-being, did you know a clean house can be great for your mental health? Researchers have found that a cluttered home contributes to stress, anxiety, and poor concentration. When a person’s home is dirty, they may begin to feel overwhelmed, out of control, and anxious. Having a clean, accessible home can also make daily routines much easier. For example, having all your clothing hanging neatly makes it easier to get ready in the morning. When your home is clean, you will also be better able to relax at the end of a long day.

If you want to feel in control of your life and personal well-being, a clean house can help you get there. By following the tips above, you and your family will be on the road to a happier, healthier life — both physically and mentally.

Melissa Howard is Head of Prevention Outreach at her website StopSuicide.info in which she writes articles about handling suicidal thoughts and recovering from suicidal attempts. She can be reached at melissa@stopsuicide.info.